Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries – Perfectly Golden Every Time

Craving crispy, golden fries without the mess of deep frying? These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are the perfect solution. Using just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can make healthier fries that are just as crispy and delicious as the deep-fried version. The magic of the air fryer ensures that the fries come out perfectly golden on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, these fries are bursting with taste. Plus, the use of olive oil gives them a light, crispy texture without the need for excessive amounts of oil. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a side dish, or as part of a larger meal, these fries are sure to impress. Best of all, they’re easy to make and require minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy your fries without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Golden

The air fryer does a fantastic job of making the fries crispy on the outside while keeping them tender and fluffy on the inside—just like the perfect French fry.

2. Healthier Alternative

By using an air fryer and only a small amount of olive oil, these fries are much healthier than traditional deep-fried versions, offering a lower fat content.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, and the air fryer cooks the fries quickly, making it a perfect option for a fast and satisfying snack or side dish.

4. Customizable Seasoning

The seasoning blend in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can add more paprika for heat, or try other seasonings like cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or even a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

5. Minimal Cleanup

Using the air fryer means there’s less mess to clean up. No oil splatters or greasy pans, just a quick wipe down and you’re done!

Ingredients

• Medium-sized potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fries during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Herb Fries: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for a fresh herbal flavor.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a healthier, slightly sweeter alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes if desired (or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients). Slice them into thin, even strips to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Fries

Place the potato strips in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes again to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fries

Place the seasoned potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Air fry the fries at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Check for Crispiness

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If you want them even crispier, return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Slices: Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and achieve a consistent level of crispiness.
• Avoid Overcrowding: For the crispiest fries, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the fries in batches for better airflow and even cooking.
• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for French fries due to their high starch content, which helps achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
• Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch, leading to even crispier fries.

How to Serve

These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are perfect on their own as a snack, or paired with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for an extra flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing:

If you want to make fries ahead of time, you can freeze the seasoned potato strips. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. To cook, air fry the frozen fries at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Reheating:

For the best results, reheat leftover fries in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work great in the air fryer! Just be aware that they may need a little less cooking time depending on their thickness.

2. How do I make fries without them being soggy?

Ensure the fries are evenly coated in oil, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Airflow is key to achieving crispy fries.

3. Can I make these fries without oil?

For a completely oil-free version, you can skip the olive oil, but the fries may not be as crispy. Consider spraying them with a light coat of cooking spray instead.

4. How long do I cook the fries in the air fryer?

Cook the fries for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can add a few more minutes at the end.

5. Can I use frozen fries in the air fryer?

Yes, frozen fries can be cooked in the air fryer. Cook them at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, for a crispy result.

6. What type of potatoes are best for fries?

Russet potatoes are the best option for crispy fries due to their high starch content and fluffy interior.

7. Can I cook these fries in a conventional oven?

Yes, you can bake the fries at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a baking sheet. Be sure to flip them halfway through to get even crispiness.

8. How can I make these fries spicier?

To add heat, try sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder on the fries before air frying. You can also dip them in a spicy dipping sauce.

9. Can I double the recipe?

You may need to cook the fries in batches if you’re making a large amount. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for the best results.

10. Can I make these fries without garlic powder?

Absolutely! You can omit garlic powder or substitute it with other seasonings like smoked paprika or dried herbs.

Conclusion

These Crispy Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries are the perfect snack or side dish for any meal. With their golden, crispy exterior and soft, tender inside, they’ll satisfy your craving for fries without the extra oil or mess. Simple to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh, or store leftovers for a quick reheat—these fries are delicious any time!

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